Cruise food gets all the attention for the big stuff. The buffet mountains. The main dining room steak and lobster.
But there’s a sneaky little truth about cruising: a lot of the best bites aren’t the ones everyone lines up for.
They’re the small, easy wins people walk past all day long, usually because they assume it’s not worth it or they just never notice it’s there.
Here are ten totally free food items that get ignored way too often.
1. Fresh-made sandwiches from the deli counter
Many ships have a casual deli-style spot that does made to order sandwiches. Not the sad pre-made ones under plastic.
People skip it because it feels too simple compared to the buffet.
Many Carnival ships have The Carnival Deli, which is basically a made-to-order sandwich spot with hot and cold options.
While many Royal Caribbean ships have the Park Café, a casual deli-style venue with soups and sandwiches, and the famous roast beef-style sandwich that cruisers love.
2. Broth-based soups that are actually good
Soups on cruises get overlooked hard. People often look for fancier things, and they just sit there quietly in the buffet.
But on a lot of ships, the soup is one of the better items because it’s harder to mess up.
Especially the lighter ones, like chicken broth, vegetable, lentil, minestrone. Perfect when the rest of the buffet is a bit too heavy.
3. If seasickness hits
Other foods that we often overlook but can be very useful on a cruise are those that fight seasickness.
For example, on a rough sea day, a green apple can make all the difference. It can reduce nausea and stop the gag reflex.
Ginger helps too, whether it’s ginger tea or ginger cookies if the ship has them.
4. Yogurt and granola that’s hiding at breakfast
Breakfast is usually packed with the loud stuff. Pancakes, bacon, waffles, pastries. The yogurt station sits there like it doesn’t exist.
In reality, starting the day with a heavy breakfast is almost never a good idea on a cruise.
Especially if you have planned a day at the pool or beach.
Fruit, yogurt, and granola are a great pick because they feel refreshing in the heat, give quick energy without weighing anyone down, and the protein plus fiber help keep hunger under control between swims and sun time.
5. Soft serve ice cream (not premium)
There is always a lot of confusion about whether ice cream is free or extra on a cruise.
The rule is usually that soft serve is included, while gelato and premium scoops are extra.
Ship can have both at the same time: free soft serve outside, paid gelato shop inside. That’s where the confusion comes from.
PRO TIP: If it’s coming from a machine near the pool, it’s usually included. If it’s a branded shop, a fancy display case, or a menu with prices, that’s the paid stuff.
6. Extra sides from the main dining room
A lot of cruisers don’t realize the dining room is way more flexible than it looks.
Want an extra side of vegetables. Another baked potato. More rice. Extra bread. It’s usually no big deal.
Plenty of people assume that kind of thing is “not allowed” or it’s going to be charged. Most of the time, it’s just part of dinner.
Have a look at the list of all the free things you can ask your waiter.
7. Main dining room breakfast items that beat the buffet
The buffet is convenient, sure. But the main dining room breakfast is usually included, calmer, and often just better plated.
Many cruise lines list the main dining room as a core complimentary option, along with the buffet.
What gets missed: Eggs made to order, nicer breakfast pastries, decent yogurt bowls, plus simple stuff like toast that is made fresh for you.
The main dining room is usually open for breakfast on sea days and on many port days, but hours vary. You can generally find more info in the daily planner.
8. Free toppings
This one sounds small, but it matters. Salsa. Hot sauce. Pickles. Jalapeños. Onion. Lemon wedges. Parmesan.
A boring buffet burger becomes fine with the right toppings. Same for eggs, grilled chicken, tacos, even pizza. Most cruisers grab the main item and walk away, leaving all the flavor upgrades behind.
Don’t be afraid to ask for extra toppings both at the buffet and in the dining room; they usually have plenty in stock.
9. Late afternoon tea-style snacks
Not every ship does a full fancy afternoon tea. But a lot of ships have some kind of mid-afternoon snack spread.
You can usually find small sandwiches, mini pastries, scones, fruit, cookies.
And it’s free. People just don’t realize it exists because they’re off doing trivia or napping.
Again, don’t forget to check the time on the daily program and the other cruise freebies most people don’t know about.
PRO TIP: Look for the “included dining” wording in the daily program and the cruise line’s own onboard guides.
10. The lighter corner
I know what you’re thinking! No way I’m going for the salad bar on a cruise.
Well, the buffet salad bar, hummus, yogurt, and Mediterranean-style bits can be surprisingly good.
For example, Royal Caribbean calls out Solarium Bistro as lighter fare on some ships too, which is exactly where a lot of people never even peek.
The only thing you need to do is avoid these common mistakes at the cruise buffet. Otherwise, there are plenty of food options for every taste.
Don’t forget to have a look at these 17 Cruise Hacks You’re Probably Not Using (But Should).
